Kawasaki Z900RS SE vs Triumph Speed Twin 1200 - Owner's Retro Motorcycle Showdown 4K
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ก.ย. 2024
- One of the most popular questions I get asked is which do I prefer - the Kawasaki Z900 RS or the Triumph Speed Twin. As an owner of both motorcycles I'm in a good position to compare the machines - here's my thoughts on the comparison thus far....
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I just imagine riding the Kawasaki back in time to the summer of 1976. What a beautiful bike.
It is a looker isn’t it…
...Or even the summer of '69🎸🏍😂
I had a Z900 back in ‘77, the older I get the better it was!
Me too! Hehe…..
I wasn’t quite old enough for that so mine was a Z1R that I bought from a geezer down the pub (which you used to do in those days 😂😂). Wonderful engines on the old air cooled big Kawasaki’s.
The 900RS is hands down my favorite bike I've had the pleasure of owning. The triumph is a beauty to be sure, and more true retro, but for me the 900RS is the perfect mix of "neo" and "retro". Drop, dead, gorgeous. Always enjoy your perspectives and presentation!
Thank you - I'm very pleased to hear that!
I love your Saturday morning vids …. You are a genuine guy who gives true reflections on your personal thoughts about bikes (and more)… your enthusiasm is infectious as is the banter you have with your mates… I really do appreciate your efforts mate so thanks again and keep these great treats coming … 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you, Guy, that is a lovely comment - much appreciated!
Wish I could write a comment like that….spot on and my thoughts entirely! 👍🏻
Having ridden both it's the z900rs for me any day of the week. Beautiful to look at and a dream to ride. Two great bikes to choose from.
Right decision - keep them both and see which you ride more. The engine characteristics are so different that, according to your mood, you will always be certain which one you want to take out. Of course, you always have the utter luxury of the GW for longer trips.
I *_love_* my Speed Twin. Z900 reminds me so much of my 91 Zephyr, which again, was an homage to the bike of the 70s. Both absolute beauties.
Great video as always Andy!
Re the exhaust sound difference, if you keep the original tailpipe on the Z900RS but replace the header pipes with Akrapovic ones, you’ll get the perfect sound including the cracks and burbles👌
That sounds interesting!
@@TheMissendenFlyerit makes all the difference - you won’t regret it! 😉
or delkevic, the only mod this bike needs
Is that because it deletes or modifies the catalytic converter?
Great comparison on two beautiful bikes. The only thing I would do I’d get rid of the piss pots on the handlebars. There must be good aftermarket ones available
Your reviews have always been clean, crisp and to the point.
I look forward to your comparison of the R9T and the speed twin 1200.
Thank you for the efforts thst you put into making these videos.
I appreciate that!
Both bikes at top of my list, i think its hard to pick between them without riding both back to back. Not had a go on a speed twin yet. Loved the z900. I do think though, that if you can only have 1 bike in your garage, the z900 would be the better choice/ allrounder , but if you can have more than 1 bike, then you have the speed twin.
I believe that if you had to choose just one bike, it would be the Kawa. We must not forget that the Speed twin has had a new model since 2021, which has greatly improved its chassis with the adoption of a new marzocchi fork and an engine with 17% less inertia and 3 more hp. The fair comparison should be between these two most recent versions and then I don't know if the owner would keep the Kawa as his first option but I believe that maybe even so. I know that you are being compared to the old version of speed because it is the version you have. A big hug to everyone and thank you for this fantastic video, highly enlightening, a great help in understanding the main differences and what is most important to us, what to choose, in a completely impartial way.
This gentleman has on his channel, a comparison between the speed twin he has and the new version from 2021 onwards.
Best regards ✌️
Very interesting video, well done👍 Haven’t ridden the Z900RS yet, but you’ve kind of confirmed the differences I suspected.
Glad to help!
Interesting thoughts on the pulling power, my Z900RS is happy to ride around in 6th from about 50kmh up, my 1250R with 143nm of torque requires you to use the gear box a lotmore.
I had a triumph. Never again due to reliability issues. Back to Japanese.
Would you like to add more details? Looking for classic bike to change from mt 10, considering kawasaki and triumph. Any detailed info will help me a lot
Enjoyed the review. Both beautiful bikes. No matter what I ride, if I feel happy with a smile at the end of the day, the bike has done its job. Forgetting about the world's problems is a good thing., if only temporary. Enjoy the ride.!!! 👍👍🏍🏍🏍🙋♂️
Here here to that John. Thanks for watching.
Superb video as always Mr Flyer. I passed by full A license 3 weeks ago and have test ride both of these beautiful bikes. I’m afraid at this stage though, the price and the INSURANCE killed it for me. Instead I managed to get a Triumph Speed Twin 900 chrome - ex demo and fully loaded within my budget. I absolutely love it, built superbly, turns heads and has one of the best standard exhaust notes available. Maybe in a few years I can move up to one of these. Keep up the great videos 🏍️😎
Nice one - and congratulations on getting your licence!
Still a great choice the 900, I passed my test two years ago and found the same with insurance particularly on the Speed twin 1200, it was double when compared to the T120 bonnie. Two years later insurance costs have come down a lot.
You've got yourself the perfect first 'big' bike, loads of torque and enough power to keep you on your toes and the transition to 100bhp bike should be seamless when you and if you trade up.
Wow that was a difficult comparison. Each bike is so good in its own way but you handled it like a true professional! Bravo TMF!
Thank you!
Interesting to note that the Speed Twin (at least for where I live) was also cheaper to insure! Also, after modding the whole air flow system (K&N filter, x-pipe Tec cans), I ended up getting it on a dyno and tuned. What a difference! Jerkiness pretty much gone especially when slow riding (welcome to London, folks!). Cost me around £100 more than the booster plug I originally had fitted but I'd say it's definitely worth it.
Don’t know what tec cans are but my street triple jerks or cuts power upshifting into second with high revs. Sometimes upshifting into third. I’ll consider the air filter and dyno. I prefer the stock exhaust to save some. Glad you fixed yours.
Great review -as always! Love the relaxed informality, the common sense angle, the honesty, the openess. Thanks Andy.
Wow - thank you very much!
Interesting vid & comparison. Both very nice bikes. You can't go wrong either but the Triumph just seems that bit more classy. Although I know if I had one, I'd be thinking about the other. Unfortunately I can only afford one bike at time but I've always gone between i4's & twins & back agan. You've done it the right way TMF - don't choose, have both!
Great video again! Had test ride on the Speed Twin 2019 model (1240 on the clock) in Grey like yours. At 5' 6 the Speed Twin is the perfect size bike for me! Very compact for the size of engine/bike. Handles & looks fabulous! The snapy throttle respons in Sport mode was apparent. But not problem. Bought the Speed Twin. Only thing would change are the oem tyres.
Great comparison.
Z900RS for me, it always reminds me of the best GS ever made.
When I was shopping retros a few years back, I narrowed it down to these two bikes. As a longtime Kawi guy, the Z called to me and eventually won but I love the sound of that dam Speed Twin- just intoxicating. Still, the Z was a jewel to look at. I could just sit & stare at it. Not a bad angle to be found. And the stock exhaust sounded great too. For me, it was the perfect memory of a modern UJM.
So sounds like you’ve got rid of it???
@@TheMissendenFlyer yes, but somewhat involuntarily. As a guy who started riding in the mid 70's, I absolutely love UJM style bikes. When the Z900Rs came out, I was riding a '16 FJR1300A because my daughter, who was my riding partner, was very comfortable on that bike.
When she went off to college, I figured her riding days w/me were over and, frankly, the FJR was overkill for most of my riding needs. So, after lusting for 2 years over the Z900Rs, I bought one and modded it into a UJM/ST. Adored that bike. Just beautiful in the green/yellow color combo.
Then about a year later, while on break from school, she asked if we could go ride. 10m on the back of the Z was enough for her. She hated it and was very uncomfortable. I knew the Z had to go.
I was really torn over this but it was more important to me that she could ride w/me, even on those limited occasions, than for me to own the Z. Regretfully, I sold the Z and bought another FJR. Still miss that bike to this damn day. Such a contrast in ride from the FJR to the Z.
Great vid as ever - will be seriously useful for folks considering a retro. I must also say, now that I am starting to make a few vids myself, that I genuinely appreciate the way you’ve storyboarded and edited this together. Quite remarkable! You’d swear you’d had a whole team round you.
That’s very kind of you to say - actually I was gutted with this one as I failed to notice the camera’s angle of view setting had been changed resulting in those naff on bike shots….sadly I didn’t have time to go back and re-record. The video is still performing well though so just goes to show you don’t need perfect production quality on TH-cam…
In Australia I rode the Kawasaki 900RS and it was certainly adequate but handling and weight too much. My 2020 Yamaha XSR900 absolutely blitzes both these bikes. I have far more immediate low down torque & simply never have to exceed 5,000rpm in top gear or else the law gets broken. It also handles far better and sounds amazing. @@TheMissendenFlyer
Fair enough - I loved the ride on the XSR900 but personally can't love the looks of it....
@@TheMissendenFlyerThe different angled shots on the different bikes served visually to delineate which bike you were on at the time, I thought. I assumed it was intentional! :)
Great review ❤ highly appreciated. I wanted to buy a speed twin 1200 in 2021 - i thought my dealer has put me on the wait list. Never heard anything from him, so I ordered the Kawasaki Z900 RS SE in Oct 2021 - the dealer wasn’t able get enough bikes so he cancelled the order in Jan 2022. Eventually I bought a new R NineT in April 2022 because BMW had a new one in the store. Great bike. Happy with it. In Jan2023 i bought my 2nd bike, the Z900 RS SE. Love the sound and the engine. But for longer rides I prefer the R90T. But I will keep the Kawa because it’s something special for me.
Hello, why do you prefer the Bmw r nine t for long journeys?
Thank you.
Best regards ✌️
The torque and the response is simply better and that makes it more fun to ride on country roads. I also love how my R90T Scrambler handles long curves. The bike feels really stable and safe to ride. On the other hand the Kawas throttle response is jerky where the BMWs is very even. That’s s lot more fun. For city rides it’s the opposite. BMWs clutch is harder, and in traffic the Z is more agile due to its more compact size. And the comfort of the suspension of the Kawa is way better.
Thank you for this unbiased and enlightening video. An important help for us to understand the differences between these beloved models and for helping us to make the best choice of motorcycle of a lifetime. A big hug from here in Portugal and congratulations on the wonderful bikes.
Best regards ✌️
Cheers and thank you for watching!
I love Triumphs and think the speed twin looks amazing. It's just too small. That's why I'd personally go for the kawasaki. Both beautiful bikes though
Yes, I rode the speed twin and thought the same.
It is smaller yes, but you get used to it quickly, and it makes the bike very flickable. Add in all that torque, and its an absolute hoot to ride. I'm 6'1" by the way. And rode my Speed Twin 1800 km from Ontario to Nova Scotia over 3 days and not a problem, bar getting pushed around the highway a bit more due to its smaller size.
I'm smallish myself (5'8") and lightweight. So its the Speed Twin for me.
@@Jack908r Saw few on the streets with riders in LA. Looks terrible in real life. Out of proportions. I am riding Vmax 1200.
Another fantastic review of both bikes .
I had a 2 year old t120 ,the main reason I sold it was because it was too small .
The Kawasaki wins hands down for looks and appeal ability .
Regards
Dave from Scotland
How do you mean small? cramped riding space?
You are correct the Z900RS is a big bike. the Triumphs to me in this range of bike are small.
great review! Thank you; looking at both of these at the moment so very helpful to hear your thorough and well-considered ideas.
My pleasure!
Long awaited comparison. Good to know i didn't miss with choosing the SpeedTwin back in 2019. Nothing wrong with Kawa, but for me the styling, fit & finish and low grunt sound of ST is no comparison to Kawasaki.
To wrap up the comparison: you’re a lucky man to have them both haha! Also had the Z900RS but now swapped to a T120 because for me Triumph is a lifestyle brand and the twin engine has more soul.
As a Triumph owner and confirmed Triumph fan boy it's an easy choice. I'd have the Kwack in a heartbeat! It is a stunning looking bike, especially in that colour scheme. You are blessed to have such a dilemma.
Couldn't agree more!
I just love the two analogue gauges on both!
Me too!
Hi Andy, another brilliant and informative video 👍
I said it when you first revealed the Z900 ...... "You are a very lucky boy to have my 2 favourite retro's in your garage 😍"
Enjoy my friend and I'll look forward to to future videos featuring these beauties 😉
All the best
Russ
Cheers Russ - always good to hear from you!
To me, the Z900rs, is what we would have done, back in the day, if we had the tecnnology.
The suspension etc.
Both great bikes for sure. I am just too tall for the trumpet, but it was the look of it in Korosi Red that attracted me to it in the first place. The Zed however, fits me perfectly. The colour and styling of it just holds a special place in my heart, as that was the dream bike of my youth, so that's what I went with. I hear the typical comments of "but it's a totally modern bike with a mono shock and radial brakes" all the time, but I know for sure that if it had been possible back then, that would have been an upgrade folks would have done, right after fitting a Kerker 😁They are completely different animals though, both have the typical characteristics of the respective engine configurations and chassis plays a big part in how they handle. What I can say for sure though, I'll be keeping my Zed, to me that's a forever bike. I'll predict that's where you'll end up with them, others will come and go, but both of those will always be tucked up at the back of the garage, waiting on a sunny day 😁
Hi, I’m looking at the twin but worried I’m too tall as well, 6’1.
How tall are you ?
I'm with you, I also think the Kawasaki is the prettier of the two. This well done mix of old school look on modern tech was achieved brilliantly well. I also prefer the smoother four cylinder sound, so from my spectator's point of view, the Kawa is the clear winner. 🤗
Nice comparison. I have the exact same Triumph, albeit a used one and changed my KTM890R DUKE for it. Bikes these days are getting a bit too quick for the road if I am being honest and I find with the TRIUMPH and no doubt the KAWASAKI that it’s nice to actually enjoy the scenery and take your time to enjoy the ride and still be able to have a bit of fun without crazy speeds/power etc. Flip, I must be getting old ! 😂
I’m completely with you on that, who doesn’t love speed - but the place for that is on the track.
I've test driven the 900RS, Speed Twin 1200 and the XSR900.
Handling wise the XSR is the best. Very sporty and even better than the MT900. But I wanted something more retro looking.
So it was a decision between the 900RS and the Speed.
You're absolutely right about the Kawasaki being more sporty and absolutely right about the Speed having more quality.
But imo the Speed is the most beautiful bike at the moment and the quality is top notch. Also I like the grunting from the twin better, just matches the retro aspect.
So the Speed Twin 1200 it was at the end. A couple mods here and there to get rid of the left non metal parts of the bike and my dream bike was finished.
Sometimes I just stand there looking at her like a creep admiring her beauty. 😅
Nowt wrong with that - good choice!
I've still got a z900a4 from 1976 what a bike it was in the day... love the new one but love the triumph rising from the ashes from 1976 to there brilliant bike's of now...
Many thanks for the video. Top tip. I've got the T120 variant and put it in rain mode when I approach slow traffic. This desensitised the throttle, takes away much of the jerkyness and makes it possible to ride slowly in first and second gear without riding the clutch. Love your videos. I grew up in your neck of the woods and remember hoofing along some of these roads on my RD250E in the late 70's....
Yes, I used to use the rain mode trick on the speed twin before I installed the throttle spacer, it did help somewhat, but I don’t have a problem now. Glad my videos bring back some memories for you!
That Z900 is just so beautiful!
For me it's the Triumph. As it was designed from the ground up as a retro bike it just looks that touch nicer.
I agree. I just can't get past the look of the radiator on the 900rs. The bike looks great but the rad is god awful.
As always, another very informative, & 'real world' perspective...
Thank you...
Thank you, Steve.
There are some very nice retro bike nowadays and I don't think any are bad ones. We're lucky to have so many to choose from and the looks are the selling point for many bikers. Glad you like yours and the fact you keep so many of your bikes for so long proves you (and Mrs F) love them... But what next? something left field maybe?
We shall see!
I WILL have a z900rs one day
Great review! I'm hopefully picking up a Z900rs in the red/gold paint scheme this week after struggling to decide between that and a T120. Your videos have definitely helped and test riding of course! Keen for another video on your RS now to see what accessories and mods you've added. Will be looking for some inspiration in the coming weeks
Good choice of bike Sean, congratulations! Stay tuned for lots more videos on the RS soon.
Thank you! And brilliant to hear more vids incoming...looking forward to seeing them!
Someone else who shares my quandary. Z or T120, still can't decide 🙈
G'day Andy. Great video as per usual brother. Really appreciated your honest views of both bikes, and if it was possible, I would certainly have a triumph in my garage. I should be able to pickup my new Z900RS-SE from my local dealer next week, and I know it will look good beside my 650 Interceptor. If it was possible I would own the Triumph T120 as well. All I need now is to win the Lotto!! LOL. Thanks again for the effort you always put into your videos, much appreciated by us, the viewers. Stay safe, have fun. Cheers.
Thank you Andy - appreciate the kind words!
I wanted just one new bike, my last bike ! So, I went for an orange 23 Speed Twin and since May when I bought her, we have bonded nicely and I love her now. It was one of those or the 900 and as I had an XJR13 moons ago, I was worried it would be too similar. This is my first Triumph and really impressed with it. She will see me out... Enjoy them both you lucky chap.
A great comparison and much the same conclusions that I have between my modified Thruxton R and my brother in law's heavily modified RS. I love the Triumph, but it does take more effort to hustle quickly, but I purposely wanted an involving ride. The Triumph is the nicer specced bike over all I think, but the RS has had the SE spec Ohlins rear shock and front Maxton internals fitted, plus a load of custom upgraded parts including a full Akrapovic exhaust system - which sounds incredible.
The color way of your Kawasaki is stunning. Both beautiful, if I had to choose one I’d go with the Speed Twin. I did a demo ride on one recently and LOVED it. Suited me, loved the mirrors.
Hello, the recent Speed twin is even better.
Best regards ✌️
One, a strong & sturdy twin, built to stride across the counties & shires with effortless aplomb; the other, a beautiful Kwak four, forever urging my right wrist to write cheques that rapidly composting reaction times can no longer cash . . . safely. You're right, buy both & ride the 'mood of the day'! : )
Brilliant! Thx 🙏🏻, I love both bikes & looking forward to own one some day. Rode both already, really difficult choice, my heart is more by the SpeedTwin, it’s smooth & relaxed, but still powerful from the bottom, the sound of the 2 cylinders is awesome. The 900 RS is just a wonderful peace of colour & style, love it too, but to be honest, the 4-cylinders always push further to go fast. Well, that helped a lot to me, will drive them again soon … 👋🏻🌅👍🏻
I’d rather have the twin though I was let down pretty bad by Triumph and several Triumph dealers in recent years! Great comparison Andy! 👏👍😀🏍
Great review, im impressed with the triumph, but I'm going to stick with my yellowball, i love it 😊
Hi Andy, great comparison and 2 great bikes 👍 Ohlins on my XJR and very nice suspension units. I would go for the 900 overall 😊 safe riding 😊🏍🏁
Thanks Mr Flyer, for a greatly anticipated video on two fantastic bikes. As the owner of various Triumphs over the years, I'm aware of the build quality, but the Kawasaki certainly looks as good.
Great comparison - I'm lucky enough to have both an older 865 Bonneville 2012 and a Z900RS 2022 and find the comparisons of the two bike similar to my thoughts. It would be nice to have some after market metal clock sounds etc. to bring the quality upto the Triumph.
Don’t think you’d be disappointed with either if you were cross shopping them. I think the Kawasaki has the edge for me but not by much. Mainly, an emotional connection to my late fathers love for the brand.
Great review Andy .One question you might add in future reviews is "What kind of riding do each bike inspire you to take ." The 4 may ask for a more aggressive ride or the Twin is a gentleman that goes at whatever pace you set .That sort of thing ..Bikes lend a mood to ones ride .I was thinking of trading my 5 year old Street Scrambler in on a new R Nine T BMW but I am not drawn to that young dog on a leash scenario saying "come on lets go boss ". Your two bikes are ready to do different jobs ...If you do let one go it will be because you are doing more of the one style of riding than the other ..Enjoy discovering which brings YOU more joy ...Thanks for all these years of sharing your rides ...
Thanks for sticking with me!
Nice comparison, Andy! One difference you didn't mention was the radiators -- the one barely visible on the Twin and the one in your face on the Kawa. This is, as you mentioned, because the Twin was built from the ground up as a retro but Kawasaki could have found a less cheap looking radiator cap.
The radiator on the z900 is awful
@@Sammie110 It really is, and not only the size. It's just ugly in in design and is very cheap looking. It's another example of the difference in quality and attention to detail between the two.
Yes couldn't agree more - the Kwak rad is an eyesore for sure......
I just put a deposit down on a 2023 speed twin 1200. I had literally narrowed it down to that or the standard model z900rs. In the end, it was the looks and lower seat height that helped me decide. Oh, and much cheaper to insure.
Fair enough - both great bikes…enjoy!
Enjoyed your coverage and the fact of the matter is you own both,, getting a great comparison back to back and the notes 🎶,,, good choice keep them both 😮, from northern Ireland ☘️☘️☘️☘️
Cheers Cecil!
Best yet, comparison is important to us. We often like several bikes and it helps to whittle the list. You get to really know. A quick hop -on in a showroom not the same. Flying today very smooth air. Guess what I wanted to be on a bike oddly, a first
As a Zephyr owner (Zed 900's always been too vintage to afford), I went an all-yellow paintscheme simply as a visibility thing. Been hit three times on grey/silver machines, never on old yeller!
Great unbiased review from an owners perspective. I'm considering these 2 bikes and would have
liked your opinion on the brakes and relative fuel economy/range.
Brakes are great on both bikes - Speed Twin seems thirsty compared to the Kawasaki but I’ve not measured it….
Purely looks-wise I can't help feeling that you've been suckered in by the bling on the Kawasaki (which is fine - your choice!). For me the Kawasaki looks modern but the Triumph LOOKS like a 60s or 70s bike - absolutely retro.
I came back to this video that I watched several times when, as a Street Twin rider, was choosing between the Speed Twin 1200 and the Z900RS. I chose the Z900RS for a few reasons: in 1 year my Street Twin was in for warranty service three times, the Speed Twin is too small for me and the Z900RS is taller, wider, and the bars are wider, just better for me at 6’1”… and finally, the engine. The inline 4 is so smooth and sounds better IMO. I could go on. I feel like I’ve been freed of Triumph trance.
Great Review ! As the owner of a Z900RS SE and a 2021 new model Speed Twin myself, i have to say i totally agree 100% with all your comments... such a difficult decision to say one is better than the other- they are both great, but in different ways- i find the Triumph the sportier of the two, with an engine that feels seriously quick with all that torque but within a range of speed that is usable on the road...whereas the Z9 is more comfortable and easy going at lower speeds but has the capability to go pretty fast if need be. The added extra's on the SE compared to the standard RS certainly help with the handling and braking- just wish it had better standard tyres.
Glad we concur!
Another great review, thanks Andy for giving us another entertaining video. After having a break from a lifetime of big in-line fours, I've got back into biking with a Triumph Street Scrambler. Similar to the Speed Twin, just smaller. Its a bundle of joy. I just love the torque, great for pootling about up here in the Highlands. The refinement and quality is great too. The last bike I owned (Busa) just didn't provide any fun under the speed limit. I think your Z900 is gorgeous, I'd have one in my garage for that alone, but every time I went for a run it would be on my Scrambler
I completely get that! I love the scrambler too!
Another great comparison review TMF. Thank you.
Good to hear from you again!
I am a little miffed at Triumph quality issues lately. Had to have my tank replaced on my Gold Line T120 due to defects. Now I am having high temp alarms and the check engine light is stuck on all the time. Also the throttle is now sticking at 3500 - 5000 RPM. Scared the hell out of me in a corner and in town. Waiting to get the bike in to be looked at with only 3500 km on it I am a little miffed at the issues. If it keeps going this way it will be gone for sure. My Trophy SE has 45,000km on it and it's been bullet proof. I had the T120 and the Z900 RS and the Ducati 1100 scrambler side by side the Kawi was gorgeous in the root beer brown colour. Fingers crossed they get my T120 sorted out before warranty expires!!!!!!!!!!
Oh dear - sounds like you got a Friday afternoon machine!
I think an integrated front brake master cylinder/ lever/ reservoir would tidy up the lines of the Z 900.
Also a better finish of radiator treatment would be in order.
Small bits to be sure but details matter in looks department.
After market bits can be optioned for as say a carbon fiber exhaust muffler for sweet four cylinder growl.
Ignition mapping and fuel management automation adapt to varying air flow changes of intake exhaust pathways.
Hi Andy, another great review which I found particularly interesting as I own the gen 2 Speed Twin and absolutely love it, the only other bike that does interest me is the RS.
I’m a bit of a serial bike buyer, and change my bikes quite often, keeping a bike very rarely more than 18 months, but since having the Speed Twin find myself content in most aspects of it.
As I said the only other bike I have an interest in is the RS, but after watching your review maybe less so now.
But I will test ride one, but feel the Speed Twin is here to stay for the foreseeable.
👍
Any chance you can jump back on a BMW R9T in the near future…give an up to date comparison with these two? I remember you loved that bike as well
Yes it's about time I had one of those again isn't it...
Both look great but I agree that the Kwak has the edge. I too fell for the gold wheels! Get mine in a couple of weeks time. Great video as always Andy.
Right on!
The Z900RS was a serious contender when I was looking at new bikes. I basically had my choice of any of the modern retro bikes but when it came time to pay the bill...I went with the T120 Bonneville. I think the Bonnie looks much better than the Kawi and it definitely sounds better. Time will tell if the T120 will be as reliable as the Kawi is likely to be but I sure intend to find out.
I think you’ll have no reliability concerns….
Hi Andy I’ve just noticed you are on 249k subs good luck when you get the 250k subs well deserved,and I love your presentation on everything you do 👏
Thanks so much for noticing!
I currently own a Speed Twin but next week it's being traded in for a 2019 Z900RS. I do like the Triumph but in my opinion the Z900RS is the best looking bike on the road. I've wanted one for years since they first came out but could never afford one. I've also had to admit that I'm definitely in the four cylinder camp compared to the twin cylinder. One of my main gripes with the Triumph was with the clocks, although lovely they are angled completely wrong in my opinion. They aren't angled up enough to face you so in sunlight they're difficult to see, totally different to the Kawasaki. As always it's down to personal choice and opinion but personally I can't wait till next week to finally get my hands on the Z900RS. Very useful and interesting video!
Congratulations and enjoy - hope you prefer it to the Speed Twin!
I have the triumph street twin, which by en large is similar in dimensions and ergonomics to the speed twin 1200. Biggest issue on the bike is it's cramped for rides longer than an hour. I suspect that would be less an issue on the kawasaki
For me, aside the engine, it's the deciding factor. May have possibly gone for the TS over the RS but the TS was just too cramped. Of course, all down to personal ergonomics.
You are a lucky man with these 2 great bikes, nice comparison. I choose Z900 RS because it has a better fuel autonomy for trips, easyer to ride on city and it is so beautiful 😂
Nice - I still can't decide which I prefer!
Love big torquey 4 bangers. Mine will take off in 5th without hesitation. Took it on a 2500 mile trip to the Sierras. Twisties, 90 mph interstate travel, in town traffic and still got 49 mpg. Never missed a beat and lots of compliments.
Nice…..
I work part time for my local dealers who have both franchises. Both are great bikes but I'm not a Kawasaki fan yet , I do prefer it on the road and its a great looking bike in any colour !
Speed Twin for me all day. Test ride them both back to to back. Both 2023 models, and the non-SE kawa. I’m 1.87cm tall so really thought the kawa would be mine, but no rode away on the Triumph in the fantastically handsome red❤
I love triumphs, but to me, I really want either the 900 RS, or the XSR 900. I’m obsessed with both. I fell in love with bikes in the 80’s, and started on a Kawasaki AR 50, then a Yamaha RD125LC. So I just don’t know. I love the looks of the Kawasaki, it’s truly gorgeous. But I’m an RD LC boy, and the XSR harks back to that.
Damn I wish Triumph would put out a more comparable Speed Twin RS or something with Ohlins and maybe better brakes! Great review and comparison!
Öhlins makes shocks and a cartridge kit for the speed twin. I fitted both and they are a gamechanger. But be careful with the choices of spring rates. There are several to adapt to your riding weight
Every time i see your 900Rs, or one in the wild, i just want one!!
Excellent review and gorgeous bikes! Love them... I know either the Triumph or the Kawa would make my day 😊
It took me just 4 attempts to pause this clip in order to read your small print.
I'm actually quite impressed with that figure and greatfully accept the compliment of #10.
Keep up the good work.
If I may ask your valued opinion between 2 models for my next bike...
A new-ish Kwakasaki Vulcan 650s or a slightly older Trumpet Speedmaster?
Tony.
Congratulations on catching the small print, and if I were to answer your question, then the Speedmaster handsdown.
Hi Andy, apologies not been watching the vids for a bit (shock!) been busy with work.
However I have a 2022 T120 that is (despite the local dealers best efforts) still leaking oil. 🤬
(Anyone else got this issue??)
….So I’m thinking of a change and.. the z900RS is in my sights.
..and I found this video! Which was exactly what I was looking for.
Cheers!! Absolutely perfect!!👍🏻.
And a HappyNew Year when it comes!! 🎉
And to you Colin!
Rode a Speed Twin 1200 today for the first time. I haven't ridden a whole lot of different bikes in my short time being into motorcycles. I normally ride a 2018 CBR650F. I found the 1200 to be very easy to ride, the seat was comfy, the torque was scary good when I got on it a little bit, but the engine seemed very tame at low revs at the same time. The clutch/engine combo seemed very forgiving. The brakes bit hard and felt extremely powerful. It actually felt lighter than my bike, which it may actually be, since the 650F is a bit of a porker. This the first "liter bike" I've ever ridden though and I'm kind of feeling awesome that it didn't make me feel terribly intimidated or scared. Overall a pretty easy chill quality feeling ride with a sleeping monster lurking underneath should you wish to let it out.
I would say that’s a pretty good description of the speed twin, lazy if you want it to be, a beast if you want it to be!
It is odd having 2 retros, but you have 3, including your 18k Enfield! You must love 'em!
I do indeed Michael. Thank you for watching.
fav vid. loved every minute. thanks so much.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Perfectly fueled, excellent gear box and brakes and superb handling is what I would want.
Sounds good to me!
I do like your honest reviews.👍
Glad you like them!
Both great bikes, and very different. Regarding the Triumph, the move to a 270-degree crank has taken away the true sound of a traditional British parallel twin. The 270 has some technical advantages but loses the characteristic purr of a 360 twin, sounding instead like a V-twin. Most modern twins have gone this way now, sadly. Only the BMW boxer retains the even firing intervals, same as the 360 parallel. Personally, I prefer this sound.
The Beemer sounds like tractor though 😂
The Kawasaki 800 has a 360° crank, also Benelli
@@kkiwi54w800 kawasaki. The bmw 800 twins (rotax) had a 360° crank
Thanks Andy both on my shopping list I have looked at both but sadly not been able to ride them I know if I did I would have purchased by now what’s holding me back is my current bike is only 3 years old and still under finance still enjoying my current bike. When I started my motorcycle journey back in the seventies it was about getting to work cheaply. Now my riding is for fun and touring holidays. I have looked at lots of bikes but would only consider one bike at a time I have looked at royal enfield but they don’t appear to feel as well built as the triumph or my current Honda. The Z900 would have looked better with twin rear shocks. The triumph just looks like a true retro it’s a T120 or the model you currently have for me.
Really good review. I also own both, a 2020 RS and a 2022 Speed Twin. I agree with pretty much everything you said. They are both excellent modern bikes with classic styling but with very different character.
I've had the suspension professionally upgraded on both because they both needed it and they now fly through corners with no fuss. I've had the Kawasaki remapped because it felt strangled trying to go over 5-6000 revs and I've put Road 5s on both.
They are both amazing fun to ride but I think the Kawasaki has the edge when it comes to practicality and capability. That's the one I take on longer rides because it just feels more capable and comfortable. I could sit on it all day.
Which one I take out just depends on my mood and which 'engine music' I want to listen to while I ride.
Glad we concur - and agree with your selection criteria! Is your Kwak the SE??
👍No, mine is the older standard model with no Ohlins @@TheMissendenFlyer
What a pair to own! That’ll be a tough decision if you do ever decide to sell one of them!
I’m sticking with both for the time being Freddie, they are both very different rides and at the moment it’s too close to call!! Can’t imagine not having a Triumph Twin though….
Love the triumph, started watching your channel because you had one. I in turn bought one, but moved on to a retro BMW. Kept the twin thing going.
Which BMW did you get and how do you compare it with the Triumph?
Thanks for the video, Andy, a good one. Love both bikes.
You and me both!
Few months ago I commented that I rode a scooter for the first time. Yesterday I took my first riding class with an instructor 👐. The bike I'm learning on is a CFMoto 300NK
Good luck with it and welcome to biking!